Ingrebourne Valley

Arrived this morning at 6.30am and immediately came accross what looked like a Peregrine over the reserve heading towards the Hacton Lane end. Didnt get enough on it for me to make a positive ID, wish i had as it would have been a patch tick.

A Pied Wagtail over the car park, first for me in a while at the Valley with the last one being early June. Heading towards the viewng area the Black Headed Gulls could be heard some distance off. The water levels have dropped a little and a small edging of mud was now on show; no waders for me today (although about 2 hours later reports of 4 Green Sandpiper).

On the bend by the Heronry a first for me, i actually heard a Bullfinch, so far all my finds of this bird have been silent ones. This was a male calling as it headed towards Tit Lake.

Tit Lake held the usual, Coot, Moorhen, Canada  & Greylag Geese, Mallard and Grey Heron.

Onto the the hill and it was depressingly quiet with the noticeable abscence of Skylark and Meadow pipit with more movement seen from this snail than birds.

Around the hill in the lower areas proved more fruitful though.

The Berwick Glades and Top Paddock came up with Yellowhammer, Linnet & Willow Warbler and i cut through the farm trails down to the river. Lots of Greenfinch, Goldfinch & Chiffchaff in the hedges on the way through plus 4 more Pied Wagtails in the empty fields.

No Swifts but plenty of House Martin still behind the hospital, along the river. 2x Sparrowhawk as you come off the bridge to the river path.

Further up by the gates a Kestrel hovering just on the other side of the river.